Polk RTi6's Alternatives

User Name
User Name Posts: 106
edited June 2004 in Speakers
Sorry for all of the threads...but this is an entirely different topic from super-cheap surround sound speakers, so in hopes of keeping things organized:

I'm most likely getting a refurb HK AVR130 or 230 and need a 300-400 dollar set of bookshelf speakers to go with it.

The Polk RTi6's were recommended, along with the Polk Monitor 40's, which have yet to come out. I am wondering if there are any other bookshelf speakers I should seriously consider before going out and just buying the RTi6's (the Monitor 40's are going to be priced somewhat less and don't sound like they're built as well - I'll assume for now they're not as good, and check before 30 days is up just incase). Please do no suggest towers, speakers that are obviously not within my price range (too cheap or expensive), speakers that are known to be inferior to those mentioned here, etc. Thanks a ton, by the way - you've all be VERY helpful in helping me find a soundsystem that'll actually fits my needs at such a low price point.
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  • gregure
    gregure Posts: 871
    edited June 2004
    Honestly, I think RTi 6's are probably the best bookshelves out there right now, in that price range of course. You may be in the wrong place if you're expecting to hear otherwise. However, I noticed someone else mentioned Axiom bookshelves in your last thread. You can check those out on the axiomaudio.com website. Those speakers come pretty highly rated as well. Pretty much on par with Polk. Although I've read some mixed reviews about their Center speakers. Plus, if you can find the 6's at Circuit City for cheap, there's really no reason not to go for it.
    Current System:

    Mitsubishi 30" LCD LT-3020 (for sale**)
    Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand (Rosewood)-Mains (with Audioquest Mont Blanc cables)
    CSi5-Center (for sale**)
    FXi3-surrounds (for sale**)
    Martin Logan Depth-Sub
    B&K AVR 507
    Pimare CD21-CD Player
    Denon 1815-DVD Player
    Panamax M5500-EX-Line Conditioner
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  • User Name
    User Name Posts: 106
    edited June 2004
    The 6's are 380 on the Circuit City website...how would I get them cheaper? Might individual stores have cheaper prices or are they expected to be blown out soon? I myself have not seen any special deal. Thanks. (I know this may not be answerable.)
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  • lomic
    lomic Posts: 407
    edited June 2004
    Local Circuit City here has the RTi6's for $130 each NEW and $90 each for the display/refurbs on their refurb rack. That is quite a freekin deal.

    I actually got my 6's today and just finished having a listen to some music, about to post my thoughts on bishopnet's thread. The just of it is: Wow.
    Dodd Audio ELP [ Tubes ] // Harman Kardon AVR330 // Parasound HCA-1203A // Denon DVD-2900
    Polk Audio LSi9, LSiC, LSi 7 // HSU STF-2 // Signal Cable Interconnects (SG BW/A2/MP)
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  • User Name
    User Name Posts: 106
    edited June 2004
    I feel the jealousy overtaking me!!! Do you think I can get that kind of a deal at my local Virginia Circuit City?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited June 2004
    Forget the RTi 6's, get these....

    ATCVenom
    Stronzo

    Registered: Apr 2002
    Location: Yo momma's house
    Posts: 3299

    Item descriptions and price:

    NHT SB-3 Bookshelf. 1’’ Aluminum Tweeter, 6.5’’ Sandwich cone. Sealed. Solid down to 39 hz, 86db efficiency, 8 ohms, high gloss black finish. Like-New.
    New price: $600/pair. My price: $400/pair shipped via: ups ground


    Sean has these for sale in the flea market right now. I own a pair and will guarantee you can't do better for the money.

    BTW, they are on Stereophile's recommended list, if those things matter to you.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • User Name
    User Name Posts: 106
    edited June 2004
    I'd rather spend 300 or less these Polks given my budget - and I guess I'm not comfortable buying from individuals online.:cool:
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited June 2004
    It's your money, but Sean is 100% solid and the NHT's will blow the RTi 6's out of the water.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • User Name
    User Name Posts: 106
    edited June 2004
    I decided early on to buy refurbished and new for the safety and warrenty, among other reasons.

    EDIT
    (segment of post removed)
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited June 2004
    What, you'd let something like parents get in the way of better audio, man you gotta get your priorities straightened out..lol.

    Seriously, buying new isn't all it's cracked up to be, you get much more for much less when buying used and these are only a month old! Put your folks in touch with me (I'm close to their age), I'll guarantee the transaction.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,774
    edited June 2004
    Dude -

    I am in High School as well -- I have gone through so many systems due to this place here, and they havn't EVER steered me wrong...

    Most of my system was bought on here and ebay - and some authorized dealers. Only one thing store bought (and what a rip off) --

    Anyways, you won't get screwed over on this board. If you do - just tell us and we'll track them down till they send them to you or give you your money back! LOL --

    Seriously though, get the NHT -- they are MUCH better than the RTi6 -- especially since you can get them for what? 400 bucks --

    Just get them while you can.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,774
    edited June 2004
    DUDE!!!

    YOU COULD PICK UP THE NHT!!! Sean lives in VA as well --

    Heck, you can even listen to them before you buy them.

    He lives in Newport. (I think)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • User Name
    User Name Posts: 106
    edited June 2004
    EDIT
    (segment of post removed)
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  • User Name
    User Name Posts: 106
    edited June 2004
    Aren't these the same thing?

    http://www.acousticsounddesign.com/core/view_BigProduct.cfm?pid=958

    How much better are these, exactly? (what will I actually hear that's different, I have little experience with specs)
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited June 2004
    Yes, same thing. I've never seen them for that price new, they are $600.00 a pair everywhere.


    The NHT's are a sealed design vs. a ported, so you'll get tighter bass and more of it and IMO, the top end is smoother with the NHT's. The gloss black finish is very nice too.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • User Name
    User Name Posts: 106
    edited June 2004
    Sean, thanks for the information. You sound very informed, to say the least, and I appreciate your honesty and understanding. Your age is apparent and I'm grateful to have your input. I'm curious - why did you decide to sell the NHT's so soon?

    (F1nut and others, the thanks goes out to you too)
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  • User Name
    User Name Posts: 106
    edited June 2004
    I know I'm bombarding you guys with questions, but supposing this is not a price mistake and that they don't offer me the package discount I suggested (the HK receiver and NHT's for 600, LOL) through their web site, would it perhaps be smarter to ditch the HK rather than the NHT's and go looking for a different receiver? Those speakers, from what I understand, might actually give me the sound I'm looking for. Or maybe buy the NHT's now and wait for a deal on a receiver? Waiting for killer deals seems to be what everybody else here does...perhaps you'll win me over yet.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited June 2004
    Who's age is apparent..he's much younger than me!?!

    In the end it's up to you, but I think you've already answered your question.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • User Name
    User Name Posts: 106
    edited June 2004
    One last question for you guys (you better hope ;)) - these won't have trouble playing top-40 and electronica at a decent level, will they, even if they might need a little more power? The reviews only describe their performance with orchestral pieces.


    EDIT
    (segment of post removed)
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,729
    edited June 2004
    I play rock, blues and classical on them, no worries.

    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited June 2004
    You would adore Sean's NHT's. A highly respected speaker and a great price.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Mark of Cenla
    Mark of Cenla Posts: 35
    edited June 2004
    The NHT's seem like a good deal. If you still want to go new, besides Polk, Paradigms are good speakers. I really like my Polk RTi4's. Good luck.
    Mark Wellman ><>

    "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
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